Contractor appointed for £5.4m business incubation hub

Plans to create a new business incubation hub on Century Business Park, in Rotherham, have taken a step forward with Esh Construction now appointed as contractor.

Led by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, “Century 2” will provide serviceable office and workshop accommodation designed to help micro or start-up businesses grow. The facility will feature 20 workshops, 16 office units and two laboratories for 38 businesses.

This second phase will build on the success of the nearby Century Business Centre, which was constructed in 2000, and has since helped over 300 businesses.

Esh Construction has been appointed as design and build contractor after the scheme was procured by YORhub’s YORbuild2 framework, and will work with The Harris Partnership and RWO Associates.

Esh’s operations director, Paul Waller, said: “This key facility will enable businesses to become more successful and sustainable, contributing to a boost in local employment and the economy.

“From receiving the initial brief, Esh has led a fast-tracked pre-construction process which included developing design proposals, arranging surveys, pricing the scheme, and submitting planning all within a 10-month period.

“A huge achievement from everyone involved and we look forward to getting work underway.”

The centre will feature a central reception and lettable conference facilities for larger meetings and functions.

Externally, the site will include car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points. The workshop zone will have its own dedicated service yard for light vehicles such as transit vans and utility vehicles.

The site will be managed by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), which manages similar facilities across the borough.